The Grosvenor Shortlist*

In a small town in the Test valley, a Georgian coaching inn, home to the little-known Houghton fishing club, has received an exciting makeover. Bedrooms, some in a garden wing, have a bold, contemporary look, bright fabrics, an espresso machine. Six dog-friendly rooms open on to the walled garden. The Mayfly house room has an antique four-poster. You can take tea in a comfy lounge, dine on dishes such as citrus-cured River Test trout with pea and trout mousse, keta caviar, pickled fennel and trout toast, while an outdoor kitchen dispenses chargrills and wood-fired pizzas. There is unrivalled chalk-stream fly-fishing on the rivers Test and Itchen, with tuition available for beginners.